MAYSVILLE, Ken.—Earlier today, the city of Maysville became the latest Kentucky community to repeal its longstanding ban on owning certain breeds of dogs, including many pit bull-type dogs.
At today’s Maysville City Commission meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to repeal the ban, which had been in place since 2008. The Humane Society of the United States testified in support of repealing the ban, along with several community members, including representatives from the Mason County Animal Shelter, Humane Society of Buffalo Trace and Ion Center for Violence Prevention, which provides safe housing for victims of domestic violence and their pets.
“Ever since this ban was first passed 15 years ago, I and many others in the community have been waiting for the day when it would be overturned,” said Rebecca Cartmell, president of the Humane Society of Buffalo Trace. “I’m so glad that today is that day.”
“It’s an honor to be here in Maysville on this historic day,” said Todd Blevins, Kentucky state director for the HSUS. Blevins also testified in support of overturning the ban. “Maysville is on the rise, and this is the next step in helping the community grow while becoming more welcoming to dogs and dog owners alike.”
Maysville joins several other Kentucky cities that have repealed their breed-specific bans since 2020, including Bellevue, Elsmere, Dayton, Alexandria and Southgate. However, several other communities in northern Kentucky continue to have breed-specific restrictions on the books, including Covington, Newport, Bromley, Crescent Springs and Fort Thomas.
“Breed-specific restrictions do nothing to increase public safety, but they do hurt pet owners,” said Blevins. “Those places that have them will continue to miss out on welcoming new residents to their community as long as the restrictions are in place. No dog owner wants to move somewhere where their dog can’t join them.”
Nationwide, breed-specific legislation is on the decline. Organizations ranging from the American Bar Association to the American Veterinary Medical Association to the National Animal Care and Control Association all publicly oppose breed-specific legislation.